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Correlations of gait kinematics and cognitive skills in Parkinson disease
Cognitive impairments and gait disturbances are often concurrent in Parkinson disease (PD), but the extent to which specific cognitive deficits relate to gait abnormalities remains unclear, especially in early-stage PD. To address this gap, we conducted an observational correlational study to determine if cognitive performance in distinct domains is associated with gait kinematics in PD. This study included a cohort of 19 individuals with early-stage PD who underwent gait analysis with a three-dimensional marker-less motion capture system (Theia Markerless Inc., Kingston, ON, CA) during three conditions: single-task walking, cognitive dual-task walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Cognitive abilities were assessed using computerized tests (Creyos, Toronto, ON, CA) of working memory (WM), response inhibition (RI), and mental rotation (MR). We found that higher WM scores significantly correlated with better gait performance under dual-task conditions, including faster gait velocity (r = 0.6524, p = 0.0025), longer stride length (r = 0.6758, p = 0.0015), higher toe clearance (r = 0.5234, p = 0.0215), and greater hip range of motion (ROM) (r = 0.6803, p = 0.0014). Similarly, better MR ability was associated with longer stride length (r = 0.5178, p = 0.0231) and greater hip ROM (r = 0.4886, p = 0.0338) during dual-task walking. Furthermore, superior WM and MR performance were linked to faster TUG completion times, particularly during the second walking phase of the TUG (WM: r = −0.682, p = 0.0013; MR: r = −0.6755, p = 0.002). These results indicate that WM and MR may be linked to gait performance in PD, especially during cognitively challenging walking tasks. These findings may have clinical, rehabilitative, and neuroscientific utility for those involved in the study and management of PD
An Analytical Study of H-2 Visa Applications Acceptance Rates in the U.S.A.
This paper represents an analytical study of visa applications for H-2A and H-2B categories in the United States from 2000 to 2022. The study gives detailed information regarding the certification outcomes, geographic location, and work type of the applicants. Using Python and other data analytics tools, the study exposes trends reflecting the effects on visa application numbers and approval rates of changing immigration policies, labor market demand, and economic cycles. Research results show a consistent increase in H-2A applications driven by agricultural sector labor shortages and changes in H-2B applications resulting from the visa restriction and developments in non-agricultural sectors, including hotel and construction.
The findings reveal regional differences, with states like California, Texas, and Florida leading in visa requests and dominating the visa field. Particularly in seasonal and low-paying jobs, this paper highlights the vital role foreign workers play in fulfilling U.S. labor market needs. The study offers a data-driven basis for future research and policy decisions addressing temporary labor migration
Intraspecific Variation in Plant–Fungal Interactions Across Tidal Elevation in a Salt Marsh
Interspecific interactions vary depending on environmental and genetic factors, with intraspecific variation potentially altering these relationships. Specifically, intraspecific variation within host plants and their endosymbionts may affect above- and belowground interactions depending on environmental conditions. We examined how intraspecific variation within the salt marsh foundation species Spartina alterniflora and a common fungal root endosymbiont (Lulworthia sp.) affected their interactions. We conducted a glasshouse experiment comparing interactions between Spartina growth forms (tall-form from low marsh and short-form from high marsh) and Lulworthia isolates from different marsh locations, and a laboratory experiment exposing Lulworthia isolates from both endpoints of a tidal elevation gradient to different salinities. Intraspecific variation affected fungal characteristics, plant traits, and plant–fungal interactions. Lulworthia isolates distinguished by a single-nucleotide polymorphism had distinct morphologies and different salinity-dependent growth rates. Spartina origin zone affected plant responses. Fungal treatment also affected plant performance: one isolate reduced Spartina density, height, biomass, and respiration– particularly for tall-form plants– whereas the other isolate had neutral to positive effects relative to the control. Our results highlight how intraspecific variation in both fungal isolates and plant genotypes shapes plant–fungal interactions and mediates the capacity of host plants to respond to changing conditions depending on plant ecotype
Prevalence and Reporting of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Live Music Events in the USA
Background Sexual misconduct (SM), which encompasses sexual harassment and assault, is a significant public health issue with myriad short- and longer-term adverse impacts. Data from Europe, Australia and Africa suggest that SM is endemic to live music events. However, few have examined the prevalence of SM at live music events in the USA. Methods We surveyed US adults who attended at least one live music event in the previous year using an online questionnaire to examine the prevalence and reporting of SM at live music events. Respondents (n=1091) were recruited through digital channels of non-profit and industry partners who regularly engage with US concertgoers. Results About half (51%) of respondents identified as women; most were aged 30–49 years (66%) and attended live music often/very often (67%). Most respondents (61%) reported experiencing SM at a live music event during their lifetime. A greater proportion of women (82%) than men (39%) reported experiencing sexual harassment and/or sexual assault. Most respondents (88%) did not report their SM incidents to the music venue where the incident occurred. Common barriers to reporting were identified, many of which were related to music venue environments in which the incidents occurred. Conclusions SM is prevalent at live music events in the USA, with women disproportionately affected. Reporting of SM incidents at music venues is limited, but barriers can be overcome. Comprehensive interventions are necessary to raise awareness of SM, reduce its occurrence and support reporting at live music events. Future research should investigate the policies and procedures of US music venues regarding SM prevention, communication, training and response
Get Those Global Experiences!: Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Outcomes of Creative Thinking in Conflict Resolution
To investigate differential effects of multicultural interactions (MIs) and exposures (MEs) and to test Maddux et al.’s new structural model of multicultural experience, this research examines the impact of MIs and MEs on intrapersonal versus interpersonal creative thinking. Study 1 tests the associations of MIs and MEs with creative thinking in idea generation and conceptual conflict resolution. Study 2 examines MIs’ and MEs’ relationship with creative thinking in applied conflict resolution (i.e., international business negotiation), with closed-mindedness as a mediator. Results show that MIs (but not MEs) were positively associated with self-reported (intrapersonal) measures of creative thinking in conflict resolution (CTCR), whereas MEs (but not MIs) were positively associated with creative thinking (interpersonal) outcomes in realistic, business conflict resolution contexts. Closed-mindedness fully mediated the former and partially mediated the latter association
Differential Diagnosis of Dorsal Wrist Pain in a Recreational Tennis Player: A Case Report
BACKGROUND: Hand-wrist tendinopathies are very common due to repetitive overuse. Intersection Syndrome as a differential diagnosis for dorsal wrist pain, characterized by pain localized to the distal dorsal radial wrist, is commonly underdiagnosed.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 35-year-old, right-hand-dominant male tennis player presented with a five-month history of recurrent right dorsal wrist pain. Symptoms affected daily activities, including childcare and sport. A prior similar episode had resolved with self treatment. Physical examination findings led to a diagnosis of Intersection Syndrome.
OUTCOME: The patient was seen one time per week for a total of four sessions. QuickDASH score improved from 47.73/100 to 0/100. Wrist and hand mobility were restored to normal. He was able to return to tennis at the pre-injury level without experiencing any symptoms.
DISCUSSION: This case highlights the importance of a thorough physical therapy evaluation for differential diagnosis and initiating timely, targeted conservative treatment when appropriate. Intersection Syndrome, though often overlooked, responds well to conservative management strategies.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
Pioneer Times, Volume 2, Number 5
Highlights include: New Chi Omegas Eager to Help Make-A-Wish, Community Partnerships Boost Opportunities for Aspiring Radiographers, Why Now is the Right Time for a Graduate Degree in Finance, Sociology Professor Co-Hosts New True Crime Podcast, Upcoming Event
Staying With: The Potential of a Critical Crisis Communication Pedagogy for Communication Education
Spectrum, Volume 54, Issue 2
Highlights include: SHU Professor Aims to Tackle Global Education Crisis - Students Accepted into Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles - SCMA Professor Receives Global Service Award - The Suite Life on Campus: Housing Selection for 2025-2026 - Take Care of Your Body and Mind with Move To Heal - Cozy Cafes: The Best Spots to Warm Up Near Campus - Three Consecutive Wins for Men’s Volleyball - The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: The Impact on Teen